Using nanocages to deliver TGFb inhibitors for treating brain tumors
Official title: Nanocage-based systemic delivery of TGFb trap for immunomodulation of brain neoplasms
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11126743 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, by using tiny carriers to deliver a special treatment that helps boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer, aiming to make current therapies work better and improve outcomes for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $375,952 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS119609-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126743 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with malignant brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, who have not responded well to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant brain tumors or those who have already exhausted all treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat malignant brain cancers, specifically glioblastoma, by using nanocages to deliver a TGFb trap that can modulate the immune response. The study aims to overcome the challenges of current immunotherapies that have shown limited success in brain tumors by blocking TGFb, a protein that suppresses the immune system within the tumor environment. By effectively delivering these inhibitors throughout the tumor tissue, the research hopes to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with glioblastoma by enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have shown promise in treating non-brain cancers, this specific application in glioblastoma is still in the experimental phase and has not yet been tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suk, Jung Soo — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Suk, Jung Soo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.